19 Best Dance Movies of All Time
DWS Obsessed’s list of 19 must-watch dance movies
What’s a guaranteed mood boost from the comfort of your couch? A dance movie marathon, of course! In no particular order, here’s the DWS Obsessed edit of the 19 most binge-worthy dance movies that are sure to make your day and make you want to move.
- Center Stage | PG-13 | Raising the barre for great dance movies.
How could you not love the memorable film filled with a cast of the who’s who of ABT?! If a ballet movie with actual ballet dancers in the majority of the roles isn’t enough to convince you, then how ‘bout the ICONIC final dance scene with ALL. THE. FOUETTES.
- A Ballerina’s Tale | NR | The danciest documentary
Two words: Misty Copeland. ‘Nuff said, right?
- Footloose | PG | Six degrees of great dancing
Could you imagine moving to a town where they’ve banned dancing? That’s exactly what happens to young Kevin Bacon’s character in this ‘80s classic. In addition to having a killer soundtrack, it also emphasizes the importance of dance as a personal liberty. And hey, no judgment if you suddenly feel the need to rage-dance your feelings out in an empty warehouse à la the film’s most memorable scene.
- Step Up | PG-13 | Bad boys & ballet
No matter how many sequels follow it, the original remains the undisputed fave. Bringing the perfect fusion of hip-hop and ballet, a rhythmic twist on the good girl + bad boy love story, and of course, former real-life couple Jenna Dewan and Channing Tatum.
- Singin’ in the Rain | G | Dancing up a storm
The old Hollywood film about an even older Hollywood’s dawn of the “talkies” (yes, really, that’s what the first non-silent movies were called). Together, the starring trifecta of Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, and Donald O'Connor will convince even your most uncoordinated friends to start singing and dancing in the rain.
- Stomp the Yard | PG-13 | A step in the right direction
Set against the backdrop of a fictional Historically Black College or University (HBCU), the film brings the incredible stylings of college step-dancing to the big screen—seriously, you NEED to check out a compilation of the best step dancing routines on YouTube—while showing the importance of teamwork and friendships in dance.
- Happy Feet | PG | Tap + penguins = must-watch movie
You know a film’s going to be great when it asks Savion Glover to choreograph and don a motion-capture bodysuit in order to bring his signature stomps to the silver screen.
- Chicago | PG-13 | Fosse *cue jazz hands*
Legendary choreographer Bob Fosse’s contributions to modern dance are at its finest in this song and dance classic that won alllll the Oscars.
- First Position | NR | First rate documentary
A realistic behind-the-scenes look at six aspiring young dancers and their preparation for the prestigious Youth America Grand Prix. Fun Fact: Former DWS model Rebecca Voelpel (neé Houseknecht) is one of the featured ballerinas!
- La La Land | PG-13 | Ryan Gosling 😉
It may not have won Best Picture, but this modern take on a classic movie-musical extravaganza racks up the awards for best on-screen couple and literal traffic-stopping choreography.
- Work It | TV-14 | The Netflix original
A newer favorite released earlier this year, the Netflix original film stars some familiar faces and follows the story of an overachieving non-dancer who puts together a rag-tag dance troupe as she learns to dance her heart out on her journey to get into the college of her dreams.
- Billy Elliot | R | Ballet > boxing
Get out your tissues, grab any and all dancing guy friends, and watch this heartwarming tale about a young boy from a British mining town who overcomes adversity to achieve his dancing dreams. (Just make sure you don’t stay up too late watching or else you’ll wake up the rest of the house excitedly screaming “Dance, Billy!”)
- Hairspray | PG | A slice of retro musicality
A star-studded cast takes the Broadway musical back to the big screen. Though set in the 1960s, the film addresses social issues that still resonate today.
- Strictly Ballroom | PG | Break-the-rules dancing
This quirky and visually over-the-top film sets the stage for the intense world of Australia’s competitive ballroom dance scene while showing that creativity and passion will always beat perfect technique.
- Mr. Gaga | NR | No, it’s not Lady Gaga’s father
A documentary highlighting the life and achievements of Ohad Naharin, the former choreographer and artistic director of Israel’s famed Batsheva Dance Company, who originated the Gaga movement language and continues to influence modern dance.
- Leap! | PG | Dance Moms alum
A family-friendly, animated story that follows a young orphan from the French countryside who dreams of becoming one of Paris’s premier prima ballerinas. It even features the voice of Dance Moms’ Maddie Ziegler in a supporting role.
- West Side Story | PG | Shakespeare in the Big Apple
Snaps, dance-fighting, and the ultimate confidence boosting anthem make this New York City spin on Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet a musical masterpiece.
- Grease | PG-13 | The original high school musical
The teen movie musical that started it all. Perfect for Summer Nights, watch Danny, Sandy, Rizzo and the rest Rydell High’s class of ‘59 prove that everyone’s born to hand jive.
- Nutcracker & The Four Realms | PG | A twist on a holiday classic
It doesn’t have to be December for you to enjoy Disney’s take on the iconic Nutcracker ballet story. Stunning costumes, dreamy visuals and Misty Copeland as The Ballet Princess—what more could you want?
Did your favorites make the list? Did you discover any new picks to binge watch? Get inspired for your own production by browsing the DWS site to find a variety of affordable performance styles that’ll have you ready for your close-up or even just the perfect accessories to jazz up your jammies for a red carpet-worthy movie night.
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